Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms (Vol. 79)

Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Ceremonial Rites, Volume 6

Next, the Doctor of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices original: "Taichang Boshi," a high-ranking official responsible for overseeing the precise execution of state rituals also proceeds to the Eastern Chamber. He leads the Crown Prince to enter and take his position at the Capping Seat the designated chair where the ritual transition to adulthood takes place. Two Inner Attendants palace eunuchs flank him on either side, while the officials of the Eastern Palace the administrative staff assigned to the Crown Prince follow behind.

As the Crown Prince begins to walk, music begins to play. Upon reaching his seat, he faces southwest; then, music stops.

The Ritual Usher leads the Guest the elder statesman chosen to perform the capping and the Assistant in order to the Ritual Washing Basin original: "Lei-xi," a ceremonial bronze basin used for purification. Music begins to play. They tuck their Ceremonial Tablets original: "Hu," tablets made of ivory or jade held by officials during rites into their waistbands, wash their hands, and dry them. Once finished, they retrieve their tablets, and music stops.

They ascend the platform by the western steps. The official holding the Up-folded Kerchief original: "Zheshang-jin," the first of three ceremonial headpieces used in the rite, featuring wings folded upwards ascends. The Guest descends one step to receive it. Holding the back of the kerchief with his right hand and the front with his left, he moves forward to the front of the Crown Prince’s seat and faces north.

When the ritual invocation a blessing for the Prince's transition to adulthood is finished, he kneels and places the cap on the Prince's head. Music begins to play. The Guest stands to the south of the seat, facing north. The Assistant Capper moves forward to the front of the seat and kneels, facing north, to adjust the cap. He then rises and stands behind the Guest. An Inner Attendant kneels and presents the Formal Robes. Once the changing of the robes is complete, music stops.

The Guest bows to the Crown Prince, who then sits down again. The Ritual Usher leads the Guest and the Assistant down to the Ritual Washing Basin, following the same ceremony as described above. The Assistant Capper moves to the front of the seat and kneels, facing north, to remove the Up-folded Kerchief. He places it in a box and hands it to an Inner Attendant, who kneels and places it near the seat.

The official holding the Far-Roaming Crown original: "Yuanyou-guan," a more elaborate crown with multiple ridges, representing a higher stage of adulthood and status ascends. The Guest descends two steps to receive it. Holding the back with his right hand and the front with his left, he moves forward...